There is a reason winter tires should only be used during winter seasons. These tires are uniquely made of flexible rubber compounds that get hard and stiff in warmer temperatures. They also have special tread designs for better traction on icy and snowy roads. The tread helps them to move excess slush or snow, and the sipes allow the snow to pack on the tread blocks and allow better traction.

Winter tires function best in winter conditions and should not be used on warm roads. On the other hand, all-season or summer tires are made from softer rubber that hardens once the temperature drops below 7°C. They are fitted with large tire tread blocks for better grip.

Why Winter Tires Won’t Work in Summer

If you are thinking of driving your winter tires year-round, here are reasons why you shouldn’t use them in summer:

Winter Tires Wear Faster on Warm, Dry Pavement

The winter tires’ softer tread wears out faster on warm, dry pavement. The rubber compound on these tires is designed to stay soft and flexible in colder temperatures. As such, they will degrade much faster when you drive in warm weather and on summer roads.

Tire manufacturers recommend using all-season tires that can withstand warm and dry conditions.

Reduced Performance

If you use winter tires during summer, your car performance will be reduced, impacting handling capabilities for safety. The rubber in winter tires is poor in dispersing heat during summer, which may lead to blowouts and over-inflation. Summer tires have a high level of safety on the dry road surface.

In a critical situation where the driver needs to make an emergency move like braking, acceleration, or cornering, safety can be compromised. Also, the braking distance is extended, especially on a wet road.

Poor Fuel Economy

If you think you will save more by using your winter tires during summer, then you are wrong because you will use more fuel. All-season or summer tires’ rolling resistance is higher than winter tires. When the soft rubber compound changes shape due to warm temperatures, it increases rolling resistance, resulting in more fuel consumption.

More Cost in the Long Run

Changing your winter tires out with summer tires at the right time will extend the winter tires’ lifespan, saving you money. The lifespan can be reduced by 60% if you use winter tires in summer. When appropriately used, winter tires can last for four to five seasons. Using snow tires all year round is much more expensive than changing them seasonally.

Winter Driving Tips

It’s important to understand that many types of tires are designed for specific purposes and driving conditions. Choosing the right tires will save you money and give you peace of mind. Even with a long-lasting set of winter tires, warm temperatures can affect their traction ability. Winter tires with low tread depth won’t have much traction on snowy surfaces. Make sure you consult professionals if you are not sure about the right tires to use.

Even though the law does not make removing winter tires mandatory after the winter season, you should swap them with summer tires when temperatures are above 7°C.

Are you looking for summer tires for a car or SUV? TreadNation has the right tires that will give you safety and durability. Contact us today.